Yiddish for Everyone
Yiddish is the foundation of all we do at the Kadimah. Our literature, history and culture are all intertwined with the richness of the spoken and written Yiddish word, and we strive to make Yiddish accessible to everyone. Our Yiddish classes cater to all levels and interests – from those who heard Yiddish at home to those who are brand new to it, and everyone in between.
Term 1, 2026 registrations are open now!
Term 1, 2026 dates: Week of 2 February – week of 23 March.
Our new timetable offers both online and in person classes.
Contact Esther Singer, coordinator of Yiddish learning, to discuss which class would be suitable for you.
Scholarships available, learn more on our Scholarships page.
To participate in classes and shmues groups you need to be a Friend of Kadimah. Sign up to be a Friend of Kadimah here.
Beginner / אָנהײבערס
Yiddish New Alef
with Esther Singer
Tuesday 6:30-8:00pm
Start your Yiddish journey here! This is a brand-new class for beginners and those who want to get a solid foundation in the basics. All welcome!
Learn more about Esther Singer
Continuing / װײַטערדיקע
Yiddish Giml with Esther Singer
Thursday 6:30-8:00pm
An upper-intermediate level class for those who have good comprehension and can read, write, and speak Yiddish. Read and discuss Yiddish texts while developing conversational skills and exploring advanced grammar and language topics.
Learn more about Esther Singer
Yiddish Beys with Esther Singer
Monday 4:00-5:30pm
An intermediate class for 2nd year learners. This class focuses on exploring Yiddish songs and other texts, developing fluency, expanding vocabulary and cultural knowledge. This course is for you if you are comfortable reading Yiddish texts with some support and having a simple conversation in Yiddish.
Learn more about Esther Singer
Fluent / פֿליסיק
Yiddish Amol un Haynt
Monday 10:00am-12:00pm
An advanced study group reading and discussing articles and contemporary happenings in Yiddish.
Interested new students, please contact Esther Singer to discuss joining this group.
Learn more about Alex Dafner
mameloshn with Tomi Kalinski
Monday 6:30pm-8:00pm
An advanced study group reading and discussing articles and contemporary happenings in Yiddish.
Interested new students, please contact Esther Singer to discuss joining this group.
In person at Kadimah.
Teacher: Tomi Kalinski
Shmues & Leyen Krayzn / ייִדיִש שמועס און לײען קרײַזן
The cost is $100 per year & to participate you need to be a Friend of Kadimah. Sign up to be a Friend of Kadimah here.
If you're not sure which group is right for you, please contact our Yiddish Language coordinator, Esther Singer.
Monday Shmues Krayz with Dina Shonberg
Monday 1:30-3:00pm
A structured conversation group wholly in Yiddish, for people with advanced Yiddish language.
As this course requires an advanced standard of proficiency, all applicants will be placed on a waitlist. The final confirmation for attending the course will involve a discussion with Diane to assess the new participants fluency level.
Learn more about Diane Shonberg
Wednesday Evening Shmues Krayz
with Dina Shonberg
Wednesday 8:00-9:30pm
A structured conversation group wholly in Yiddish. This class is currently FULL. Re-enrolments only please.
This class is conducted in person, off site.
Learn more about Diane Shonberg
Tuesday Shmues Krayz
with Helen Mizrachi
Tuesday 2:00-3:30pm
A structured conversation group wholly in Yiddish. Good comprehension essential, speaking skill levels can develop. This class currently FULL. Re-enrolments only please.
Learn more about Helen Mizrachi
Thursday Shmues Krayz
with Helen Mizrachi
Thursday 2:00-3:30pm
A structured conversation group wholly in Yiddish. Good comprehension essential, speaking skill levels can develop.
This class is currently FULL. Re-enrolments only please.
Learn more about Helen Mizrachi
Yiddish Literature
with Beni Gothajner
Tuesday 10:00am-12:00pm
Yiddish literature reading and discussion group. For fluent readers and speakers.
Learn more about Beni Gothajner
Get Connected
Make sure you keep connected with the Kadimah.
מיר אָנערקענען די עלטסטע געזעסענע אָפּהיטער פֿון דעם לאַנד וואוּ מיר טרעפֿן זיך, דאָס בּון וועראַנג פֿאָלק פֿון דער קולין נאַציע און מיר גיבן אָפּ כּבֿוד זייערע פֿאַרגאַנגענע, איצטיקע און קומענדיקע אמהות און אבות
We acknowledge the longest standing custodians of the land where we meet, the Boon Wurrun folk of the Kulin nation, and we pay respect to their elders (matriachs and patriachs), past, present and future.